Digital vs Analog Tread Depth Gauge: Which One Should You Buy?
Digital vs analog tread depth gauge: screen readings and mode switching against a mechanical scale with no battery, with four gauges compared by range, accuracy and warranty.
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Digital vs analog tread depth gauge: which type should you buy? Pick a digital gauge for screen readings and mode switching, and pick an analog gauge for a mechanical scale with no battery to run down. Digital gauges suit drivers who want a clear screen reading and a mode switch, while analog gauges suit drivers who want a simple mechanical reading with no screen and no battery. The four digital gauges below show what digital models in this class actually publish.
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Below: how digital and analog gauges differ, the four digital gauges in this guide ranked by their stated specs, and a checklist for choosing between the two types.
Digital vs analog tread depth gauge: how the two types differ
A digital tread depth gauge shows the reading on an LCD screen and lets the user switch between measurement modes. An analog tread depth gauge shows the reading on a mechanical scale, with no screen and no battery. That difference drives most of the choice: screen and modes on the digital side, simplicity and no battery on the analog side.
| Feature | Digital gauge | Analog gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | LCD screen on the SAFELIFE and WNCGC listings; color coded scale bar on the GODESON | Mechanical scale |
| Modes | Three modes on three models below; Metric/Inch interchange on the stainless SAFELIFE | Fixed scale reading |
| Power | Battery; depth bar scale still reads when the battery runs down on three models below | No battery |
| Extra functions | Zeroing on the orange SAFELIFE and WNCGC; auto shutoff on the orange SAFELIFE only | None stated |
The listings below give those figures for the digital side only, since no analog model is featured here.
The digital gauges in this guide
GODESON digital gauge. The GODESON listing states a color coded scale bar, three measurement modes of fractional inch, decimal inch and millimeter, and a range of 1 inch / 25.4 mm / 32 nds, with accuracy of 0.01mm/0.0005inch. The listing states plastic and stainless steel materials, dimensions of 4.7 x 2.3 x 0.7 inches, a weight of 0.05 kg and a 1 year warranty. It suits motorcycles, cars, trucks, lorries and SUVs, and it ranks at the top here for its color coded bar and stated warranty; its stated accuracy figure matches the stainless SAFELIFE figure below.
SAFELIFE orange digital gauge. The SAFELIFE orange listing states three modes, a readable range of 0-25.4mm in metric or 0-1-inch in SAE (32/32-inch), and a gauge that can be zeroed at any position. The included 3V CR2032 battery is preserved by an automatic shutoff after 5 minutes of inactivity, and the depth bar with scale still measures tread depth when the battery has run down. The listing states a large LCD display, brake pad wear measuring, a pocket or tool pouch fit, and a 1 YEAR warranty. It also states least depths of 1.6mm for normal driving, 3mm at high speed and 4mm in rainy and snowy weather.
SAFELIFE stainless digital gauge. The second SAFELIFE listing states a one-touch switch for Metric/Inch interchange, an accuracy range of +/-0.01mm, +/-0.0005-inch and +/-1/32-inch, and a measurement range of 32/32 inch / 0-1in / 0-25.4mm. The large LCD screen and the depth bar with scale read tread depth when the battery has run down, and the listing states brake pad wear measuring and the same least depths of 1.6mm, 3mm and 4mm. The material is stainless steel and the weight is 0.06 kg. No warranty term is stated, which puts it below the orange SAFELIFE here.
WNCGC digital gauge. The WNCGC listing states three modes of fractional inch, decimal inch and millimeter, a readable range of 0-25.4mm in metric or 0-1-inch in SAE (32/32-inch), and an LCD screen. The depth bar with scale measures tread depth when the battery is depleted, the buttons cover ON/OFF, ZERO, MM/Inch conversion and fractional inch conversion, and the battery is replaceable. The listing states brake pad wear measuring, a pocket or tool bag fit, dimensions of 4.44 x 2.36 x 0.59 inches, a weight of 1.43 ounces and plastic material. No warranty term is stated and no accuracy figure is stated, which puts it last here.
How to choose between digital and analog
- Modes. If you read in fractional inch, decimal inch and millimeter, the GODESON, SAFELIFE orange and WNCGC listings all state three modes. The stainless SAFELIFE listing states a one-touch Metric/Inch interchange instead.
- Range and accuracy. Compare the stated range before buying: the GODESON states 1 inch / 25.4 mm / 32 nds, while the SAFELIFE and WNCGC listings state 0-25.4mm or 0-1-inch. The GODESON states accuracy of 0.01mm/0.0005inch and the stainless SAFELIFE states +/-0.01mm.
- Battery behavior. The SAFELIFE orange listing states an automatic shutoff after 5 minutes and a 3V CR2032 battery, and three of the four listings state a depth bar scale that still reads when the battery runs down. If a dead battery mid-job worries you, that depth bar matters.
- Warranty. The GODESON listing states a 1 year warranty and the SAFELIFE orange listing states a 1 YEAR warranty. The stainless SAFELIFE and WNCGC listings state no warranty term.
- Size and weight. The GODESON measures 4.7 x 2.3 x 0.7 inches at 0.05 kg, and the WNCGC measures 4.44 x 2.36 x 0.59 inches at 1.43 ounces. The WNCGC listing states a pocket or tool bag fit; the GODESON listing states dimensions only, with no pocket claim.
- Analog or digital. Choose analog for a mechanical scale with no battery, and choose digital for a screen and mode switching, with zeroing on the orange SAFELIFE and WNCGC. See analog vs digital tire gauge for the same choice on tire pressure gauges.
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FAQ: garage tools
What modes do these digital tread depth gauges offer?
The GODESON, SAFELIFE orange and WNCGC listings state three modes: fractional inch, decimal inch and millimeter. The stainless SAFELIFE listing states a one-touch switch for Metric/Inch interchange.
Do digital tread depth gauges work when the battery runs down?
On the three listings that state it, the depth bar with scale still reads when the battery has run down or is depleted: the SAFELIFE orange, stainless SAFELIFE and WNCGC listings all state that. The GODESON listing states no depth bar behavior when the battery runs down.
Which digital gauge has a warranty?
The GODESON listing states a 1 year warranty and the SAFELIFE orange listing states a 1 YEAR warranty. The stainless SAFELIFE and WNCGC listings state no warranty term.
What tread depth readings do the listings flag for driving conditions?
The SAFELIFE listings state least depths of 1.6mm for normal driving, 3mm at high speed and 4mm in rainy and snowy weather. Those are the listings’ own stated figures, not a repair procedure.
Can these gauges measure brake pad wear too?
Three of them can, by their listings. The SAFELIFE orange, stainless SAFELIFE and WNCGC listings all state measuring tread depth and brake pad wear. The GODESON listing states tread depth only.
Should I buy digital or analog for a home garage?
Buy digital for a screen reading, mode switching and zeroing, as on the SAFELIFE orange gauge. Buy analog for a mechanical scale with no battery to run down. Compare the digital field in our best digital tread depth gauge roundup before deciding.
Related: analog vs digital tire gauge, the best digital tread depth gauges, our best tire pressure gauge picks and TPMS tool vs tire pressure gauge.
